Category Archives: national parks

Top 5 croc-free swimming holes in the Northern Territory

Posted on by
1 Comment
Gunlom (Waterfall Creek), Kakadu National Park, Tourism Australia

Gunlom (Waterfall Creek), Kakadu National Park, Tourism Australia

Want to cool down in a croc-free swimming hole after exploring the hot spots of the Northern Territory? We’ve picked five swimming holes across the Territory that are (normally) croc free.

Berry Springs, Berry Springs Nature Park

The natural springs at Berry Springs Nature Park couldn’t look more like a picture-perfect oasis if they had been designed by Disney. An emerald pool, fringed by jungle green is exactly what a Disney princess – or anyone, really – would want to swim in after an exhausting day exploring the Northern Territory.

Only 50km from Darwin, Berry Springs doesn’t have any crocs (although you should always read the warning signs), and has several easily accessible pools ranged along Berry Creek.

Gunlom Pool, Kakadu National Park

If crocodiles have a spiritual home in the imaginations of most Australians, it would be at the wildly beautiful Kakadu National Park. And yup, you’ll find crocodiles in most waterholes and rivers and wetlands here. But there is a pool, hidden at the top of a waterfall, that you can only find after a steep hike up. You might be tempted to think that Gunlom Pool is a mirage, but the cold water will soon shock you out of that. Relax in the water while enjoying panoramic views over the park. While crocs up this high are rare, it’s always a possibility, so be careful.

Wangi Falls, Litchfield National Park

Disclaimer: there sometimes are crocs at Wangi Falls. It’s one of the designated swimming areas in Litchfield National Park, along with Buley Rock Hole, Florence Falls, Walker Creek and the Cascades. But as one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Northern Territory, this swimming spot is monitored by rangers and has a permanent croc trap just upstream, although you should always be cautious and follow the warning signs. As for the swimming hole itself? At the bottom of a charming waterhole, it’s a picturesque spot, fringed with trees clinging to the volcanic-looking rocks.

Ormiston Gorge, West MacDonnell Ranges National Park

Phhheww, we’re in the Red Centre – you don’t have to worry about crocs here. Ormiston Gorge is in West MacDonnell National Park. You’ll also find swimming holes at Ellery Creek Big Hole and Redbank Gorge (where you can float through the narrow enclosing walls) in the park. The biggest risk at this swimming hole is that you’ll be so transfixed by the red walls rising above the water (especially if you’re there at sunrise or sunset) and the fringing gums that you’ll stay in the water too long and get hypothermia, a serious concern at these chilly spots.

Leliyn (Edith Falls), Nitmiluk National Park

Nitmiluk National Park has a permanent condition of being stuck between a rock and a hard place. The national park is a series of interconnected gorges, the most famous of which is Katherine Gorge. Nitmiluk is a popular canoeing destination, but it’s not too shabby for swimming either, with swimming spots being open in dry season at Leliyn (Edith Falls) and Sweetwater Pool.

With a waterfall and a large pool with easy access, you’ll definitely want to cool off here. Freshwater crocs are common in the park, but while saltwater crocs hang out here in the wet season, rangers move them on in dry. But, as with any swimming hole in the Top End, be cautious and read the warning signs before you swim.

Find out how to get to these swimming holes as quickly as possible with UBD Gregory’s South Australian and Northern Territory street directory.

 

     

Australia’s best beaches

Posted on by
1 Comment

Wineglass Bay, Freycinet National Park

Australia is blessed with thousands of magnificent beaches, from suburban pleasure grounds to unspoilt gems in remote locations.

The country’s 10,000 or so beaches are among the country’s greatest natural resources. They provide extraordinary scenery, and a place to walk and watch, to sunbake and socialise, to marvel at the marine wildlife and to engage in endless sporting endeavours, from swimming and surfing to the ubiquitous beach cricket. Some of our most exquisite beaches are among the least visited, found in remote regions of the country.

Most Australians have a favourite beach, but what makes one beach better than another is strictly a matter of taste.

Some people like their beaches long and lonely; others prefer teams of lifesavers, foreshore cafes and bustling promenades. The clear aquamarine waters and pure white sands of tropical beaches appeal to many; but for others, the ideal beach embraces the drama of high-energy waves, scudding clouds and weather constantly on the move – features typical of the Southern Ocean coast.

The beachgoer’s preferred activity also affects the choice: surfers need waves, anglers want rock platforms, walkers like cliff-tops and views, divers look for coral or wrecks or caves, families seek beach patrols and mild currents.

Where to find the best beach

The best beach is as likely to be a tiny cove in an isolated national park as it is the sandy swath fronting a resort of international fame. Here are a few favourites.

Whitehaven Beach, Queensland

Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays National Park

Powdery white sand, clear tropical waters and pristine surrounds make this a perfect example of an Australian tropical island beach – no surf but superb swimming.

Bondi Beach, New South Wales

Australia’s most famous beach lies on the edge of the country’s biggest city. Constant surf patrols, paved promenades, rock pools, good surf and a lovely, deep crescent shape are among the attractions.

Port Fairy Beach, Victoria

Port Fairy Beach

A perfect holiday-town beach: in summer there is a bustle of patrols, body surfers, paddling toddlers and beach tents; in winter, surfers, anglers and well-wrapped walkers dot the quiet six kilometre stretch.

Wineglass Bay, Tasmania

Wineglass Bay, Freycinet National Park

Located within magnificent Freycinet National Park and accessible only to walkers and boaters, this beach is a perfectly formed crescent of sand and water set within a frame of forested mountains.

Vivonne Bay, South Australia

This remote stretch of sand on Kangaroo Island exemplifies the drama of the Southern Ocean coastline: it has rugged headlands, plentiful wildlife, strong waves – and it remains free of development.

Esperance beaches, Western Australia

Lucky Bay, Cape Le Grand National Park

Breathtakingly beautiful and completely unspoilt, these beaches of remote south-east Western Australia are known for the intensity of the contrast between the crisp white sand and vivid blue water.

Cable Beach, Western Australia

A beach of both the tropics and the outback, Cable Beach borders the remote resort of Broome. Camel trains, pearl luggers bobbing on the horizon and striped beach umbrellas complement the superb natural scenery.

This is an extract from Australia’s Coast (2nd ed), a book that will whisk you away to Australia’s spectacular coastline (as well as revealing more than a few places to visit along the stretch).

     

Ultimate Australian dream trips

Posted on by
1 Comment
Sunset at Uluru, Tourism NT

Sunset at Uluru, Tourism NT

What trips are on your Australian bucket list? Do you want to climb Big Red on the Birdsville Track in a 4WD? Or do you want to island hop in the Whitsundays in your own boat?

Here are six Australian trips that have captured our imaginations and catapulted to the top of our must-do lists.

Taking time off to travel Highway 1

Want to circumnavigate the world’s largest island, on one of the world’s longest highways, in one epic trip? Look no further than Highway 1.

This highway includes many iconic Australia drives, such as the Nullarbor crossing and the drive down the east coast. This isn’t a drive you should rush, as there’s much to see and do along the route. In fact, you won’t get to see everything even if you take six months the complete it.

But no matter how much time you have, things you must see include the Daintree, Cable Beach in Broome, Kalbarri National Park, the Valley of the Giants, the caves and cliffs of the Nullarbor, the beaches of Jervis Bay, dolphins off Byron Bay and the calm Gippsland lakes.

There are also sections of the road that, while not technically Highway 1, head in the same direction and are much more exciting than the main route. We recommend detouring down the Great Ocean Road in Victoria and also, if you have a 4WD, taking a drive along the Savannah Way in Queensland.

Travel the Development Road to the tip of Australia

You can’t go any further north on mainland Australia than Cape York. After travelling the bumpy and often wild Peninsula Development Road (complete with crocs and river crossings), there’s nothing more satisfying than hopping out of your 4WD and seeing the sign that announces you’ve arrived at the northernmost point of Australia. A 4WD or dirt bike are the only vehicles that can reach the tip.

Once you’ve snapped a few photos, you can stay at Punsand Bay Camping Resort, only 5 kilometres away from the tip, which has campsites lining the beautiful coast.

And after your stay, there’s nothing left to do but turn around and go back the way you came. But not without stopping at a few iconic stops along the road, including Musgrave Roadhouse. Maybe it’s time to head to the southernmost point?

Camp next to Uluru

Everything seems bigger in the centre of Australia, including Uluru. We’ve all heard stories about how big it is, but you can’t truly anticipate the scale of the rock until you’ve seen it in person.

You’ll need a bit of time to take it in, so why not set up tent at Ayers Rock Campground? Once you’ve marvelled at Uluru, keep on looking up – on a clear night in the true outback the sky gives a whole new meaning to the word big.

Spending the night at Uluru will also give you some extra time to explore other natural wonders in the region, including Kata Tjuta. After all, it’s a five hour drive back to Alice Springs, so make the most of your time at what could almost be called the spiritual heart of the country.

Houseboat on the Murray River

Houseboat on the Murray River, Tourism Victoria

Houseboat on the Murray River, Tourism Victoria

If Uluru is the heart of Australia, then the Murray River is one of its arteries. This graceful river stretches from the Australian Alps, along the border between Victoria and New South Wales, before finally ending where the river meets the sea in Goolwa, South Australia.

And the best way to experience the Murray River is on it. You can rent houseboats from many of the towns along the river and all you need is an unrestricted car license to drive a houseboat.

Meander along the river by day and park next to the riverbank at night to experience one of our greatest rivers as never before.

Tackling Overland Track in Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park

Overland Track, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Welcome to the Tasmanian wilderness, an area of unparalleled beauty. Many of the places in the Tasmanian Wilderness Area remain virtually untouched. And the best way to see these places (without leaving much of a trace) is by walking in with everything you need on your back.

The Overland Track is the most famous of these walks. Traversing Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park for 65 kilometres, the walk normally takes around six days. You need to book the walk, as well as the huts along the route, as places are strictly limited. Walking through the ancient landscape, past mountains and valleys and rainforests and lakes (you really do see a lot a scenery), will give you the time to truly appreciate the landscape.

If you want to go on a walk that’s a little bit more wild, both the South Coast and Port Davey tracks trek through the protected wilderness of Southwest National Park, at the bottom of Tasmania. These walks don’t have the facilities of the Overland Track – there are no huts, visitor centre or even boardwalks. Just a lot of hard graft and spectacular nature.

Travel like the Man From Snowy River in Victoria’s High Country

Victoria’s High Country might not be home to the highest peaks in Australia (that honour goes to nearby Kosciuszko National Park, over the border in New South Wales), but it is home to some of the best outdoor adventures you’ll find in the country, including walking, mountain-biking, rafting, fishing, horse-riding and cross-country skiing, if you’re there in the right season.

Bush camping is allowed in most sections of Alpine National Park, so you can camp next to your chosen adventure.

 

     

Discover 7 of Australia’s more unknown national parks

Posted on by
2 Comments
Melaleuca sp., by codiferous, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Melaleuca sp., by codiferous, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

From Kakadu to the Blue Mountains, Australia’s most famous national parks are spectacular and attention-grabbing, with their arsenal of majestic rock formations, towering waterfalls and stunning views.

But there are some national parks hidden throughout the country that only see a fraction of the number of visitors to these major parks, mainly due to their remote locations (although one of the parks is to be found in the heart of Sydney).

We pick seven more unknown national parks and reveal why they are well worth a visit.

Garigal National Park, New South Wales

Garigal National Park by Ian Sanderson, licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Garigal National Park by Ian Sanderson, licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Sydney is famous for its urban sprawl. Yet hidden among the suburbs of Sydney are some of the most enchanting national parks in the state, including Lane Cove, Ku-ring-gai Chase, Cattai and the little-known Garigal National Park.

Sitting unassumingly off Mona Vale Road on the way to the northern beaches, Garigal National Park is home to spectacular bush and water views, sandstone formations and significant Aboriginal sites.

There is a range of trails around the park, so the best way to explore is by foot, although if you’re the adventurous sort, many of the trails are also good for mountain biking and horseriding.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Sydney if there weren’t also water-based activities on offer. There are some great fishing spots right on Middle Harbour, or experienced canoeists can take a canoe out on the water.

Coopracambra National Park, Victoria

Coopracambra National Park, Don Fuchs/Tourism Victoria

Coopracambra National Park, Don Fuchs/Tourism Victoria

There aren’t many places in Victoria where you can really feel like you are getting off the beaten track, but with its soaring trees, craggy gorges and heritage-listed river, Coopracambra certainly fits the bill.

Situated in the remote north-east of Victoria, Coopracambra doesn’t see many visitors. But this isolation has been fantastic for the park, allowing its ecosystem to carry on pretty much undisturbed. Much of the park’s history, including Aboriginal sites and fossil remains, has also been preserved.

As with many little-visited parks, the best way to get around Coopracambra is by 4WD or on foot. Popular walks include hiking to Mount Coopracambra and Mount Wakefield, and many of the walks involve rock-hopping and exploring the stunning isolated scenery of this region.

Lake Torrens National Park, South Australia

Lake Eyre gets all the exposure, but the smaller salt lake at Lake Torrens is also worth a visit, although small in this case is relative – the Lake Torrens salt lake still stretches for 250 kilometres.

This national park doesn’t have the amenities of Lake Eyre, as there are no camping areas, picnic areas or toilets. It’s only accessible by 4WD via two roads on private stations, which you’ll need to seek permission to use. But jumping through these obstacles to get to the park just makes the experience all the more worthwhile.

This astoundingly wild and barren land is extremely photogenic, and also offers great opportunities for birdwatching. But don’t worry about bringing your floaties – the lake has only filled up once in the past 150 years.

Karlamilyi National Park, Western Australia

Karlamilyi National Park, Jiri Lochman / Australian Geographic

Karlamilyi National Park, Jiri Lochman / Australian Geographic

The national park formerly known as Rudall River, Karlamilyi is the biggest national park in Western Australia and one of the most isolated. Situated in the Pilbara region, the park is 260 kilometres from the nearest town of Marble Bar.

Luckily, most people don’t visit Karlamilyi unless they are extremely well prepared for a desert journey, as the park is surrounded on both sides by the Great Sandy and Little Sandy deserts. The park can only be reached by a series of rough 4WD tracks, which you need to get permission to use.

Once you reach the centre of the park, you might think you’ve reached an oasis, as the ancient gorge hides a series of rockpools. The park, although mainly consisting of distinctive red desert lands including salt lakes and scrubby plains, has a surprising amount of greenery. And no trip to Karlamilyi would be complete without a trip to the Desert Queen Baths, where you can dip into the pristine swimming holes.

Limmen National Park, Northern Territory

Butterfly Springs by eyeweed, licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Butterfly Springs by eyeweed, licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

You’d think that a national park with spectacular geological formations, wild rivers, an overabundance of lush natural beauty and a fascinating history, would be one of the most popular in the Northern Territory.

Yet Limmen National Park, found on the coast of the Barkly Tablelands next to the Arafura Sea, is one of the least-visited national parks in the Territory, and the newest, having only been declared in 2012.

The main drawcard at Limmen is the Lost City, a collection of sandstone spires and columns. The park also draws anglers with the chance to catch barramundi.

While the wild rivers can look very appealing, saltwater crocs cruise the rivers of the park, so don’t dip your foot (or any part of your body) in the water. The only safe place to swim is at Butterfly Springs. You can also camp at the springs.

Now that it’s officially a national park, visitor numbers may pick up, so visit before the rest of Australia does.

Mount Hypipamee National Park, Queensland

Hypipamee Crater, Karl Seelig/Tourism North Queensland

Hypipamee Crater, Karl Seelig/Tourism North Queensland

You might not think of far-north Queensland as being a volcanic area, but the central feature at this national park is a crater that formed when a volcanic vent erupted around 10,000 years ago. Things have thankfully cooled since then, as this small national park now protects a beautiful patch of high-altitude rainforest, which stands out from the more common tropical rainforest of the region.

The crater is a spectacular site. A viewing platform over the crater reveals a 58-metre drop to the green lake below. Also worth a visit within the park is Dinner Falls, a series of cascades that rush over the cliffs into a boulder-strewn creek.

A variety of possums call the national park home, so keep your eyes peeled for a touch of possum magic while visiting.

Strzelecki National Park, Tasmania

Sandy beaches? Tick. Spectacular granite mountains? Tick. Wombats? Tick. If you haven’t already got the awe-inspiring Strzelecki National Park on your to-visit list, you should add it now and count yourself lucky that this park is hidden on Flinders Island in the middle of the Bass Strait – otherwise visitor numbers would probably rival those of Freycinet.

One of the most popular activities in the park is the walk to the top of Mount Strzelecki, the tallest peak on the island at 756 metres. The ocean views from the top are truly majestic.

And once you get back down to level ground, you may want to take inspiration from the amusingly named Trousers Point, and jump into your swimmers for a spot of wading or snorkelling.

     

Discover the Gold Coast hinterland’s national parks

Posted on by
No Comments

 

Natural Bridge cave

Natural Bridge cave

Melissa Chambers discovers the spectacular national parks, from Springbrook to Lamington, in the Gold Coast hinterland.

What do you think of when you hear the words ‘Gold Coast’? Most people immediately think of the Surfers Paradise glitter strip, the beaches, or the theme parks.

But within an hour’s drive from Surfers Paradise are the hidden treasures of the Gold Coast – the national parks!

Filled with rainforests, walking trails, rivers, waterfalls and dams, these national parks offer some of the most picturesque country you will find in Queensland.

So whether you are a local or just visiting it is well worth your time to spend a day or two exploring the beautiful hinterland. It’s a great family day out and best of all – most of it is free.

Hinze Dam

Hinze Dam

Hinze Dam

 Hinze Dam is the water storage facility for the Gold Coast region. It has just reopened to the public after being closed for four years, with new picnic and barbecue facilities, as well as a visitor centre and cafe. Plenty of thought has gone into the redesign of the recreational areas.

Access to the dam recreation area is now from the Nerang–Advancetown Road. If you are heading to Hinze Dam, don’t follow your GPS. It will send you to the side which is now closed. Go via Advancetown.

At the dam there is a large grassed area, perfect for the kids to kick the footy around on. The new stainless steel barbecues, which are free to use, are all undercover. There’s plenty of undercover seating and tables as well as lots of tables out in the open. There are also lots of well-established trees to provide shade, or you can just throw a rug on the ground and enjoy the sunshine.

Hinze Dam walking trackA walking track runs between the picnic area and visitor centre, and a walk along the length of the dam wall is a must to appreciate the huge amount of water that this dam holds. The wall itself is over 1800-metres long and offers spectacular views of the water and the hills surrounding the dam.

You aren’t permitted fuel-powered boats on the dam, but sail boats, electric-powered boats and canoes are welcome. There are also mountain bike trails throughout the area and horse-friendly trails as well.

Springbrook National Park– Purling Brook Falls

Purling Brook Falls

Purling Brook Falls

 Springbrook National Park is possibly one of the most spectacular national parks in Queensland, full of waterfalls, lookouts and walking tracks. Purling Brook Falls is superb and you are able to walk down to the eastern side of the falls, but you will have to return via the same way as the rest of the walking track is closed due to damage caused by last year’s heavy rain and floods.

If you don’t fancy going all the way to the bottom of Purling Brook Falls, you can walk across the top of them to the other side where there is another lookout. The Settlement camping area is only a short walk away and provides 11 designated camp sites, four of which are suitable for camper trailers or campervans. There are free electric barbecues, toilets and drinking water available in the campground. Bookings are essential for the campground and a permit must be displayed.

There are also several more lookouts in the park, including The Best of All Lookout, which looks out towards the NSW towns of Murwillumbah and Byron Bay. On a clear day the views are incredible. There are also a couple of good B&B’s in the area if you fancy staying a night. Rosella’s Coffee Shop at the Canyon Lookout is a cosy spot for morning tea, especially if the weather happens to be on the cooler side. The weather in the hinterland can get quite chilly so it is advisable to take a jacket.

Springbrook National Park– Natural Bridge

Natural Bridge waterfall

Natural Bridge waterfall

 If you continue down the road from Advancetown you will find yourself at Natural Bridge, a cave that formed at the base of a waterfall. It’s located just off the Nerang–Murwillumbah Road in Springbrook National Park.

The drive to Natural Bridge will take you through a couple of tiny villages that offer small cafes and roadside picnic areas – perfect for a quick refresher or somewhere to enjoy lunch.

The walking track at Natural Bridge takes you down to the bottom where there are viewing areas both inside and outside the cave, so make sure you have your camera ready.

Following the path will then take you up and over the ‘natural bridge’ to view the waterfall from the top. It is a spectacular sight, especially when there has been generous rainfall.

The cave also hosts a colony of glow worms, which of course can only be seen after dark. The whole of the Natural Bridge area is within a national park, so make sure you stay on the designated walking tracks. No swimming is permitted and fines do apply. And of course it goes without saying – take any rubbish with you!

Unfortunately, Natural Bridge is not wheelchair friendly and you will encounter stairs, rough terrain and a reasonable incline on the way back out, but it is well worth the effort. Anyone with a moderate level of fitness will easily be able to manage the walk.

An hour should be plenty of time for the walk and to enjoy the sights. It is advisable to take a water bottle and even in summer a light jacket may be required as it is often cool due to the overhanging trees of the rainforest. There are picnic tables and toilets available just next to the car park at Natural Bridge.

Lamington National Park– Binna Burra section

The Surfers Paradise Skyline from Beechmont

The Surfers Paradise Skyline from Beechmont

 The Binna Burra section of Lamington National Park is a beautiful mountain wilderness area full of walking tracks and waterfalls. From easy 20-minute scenic walks to three- or four-day treks, Binna Burra has a lot to offer.

Binna Burra is just over an hour’s drive from the Gold Coast. It’s a beautifully scenic drive passing through the small villages of Lower Beechmont and Beechmont. There are several spots along the way that afford spectacular views of the Surfers Paradise skyline, so make sure you keep an eye out for places to stop.

The Rosins Conservation Lookout is another fantastic spot to stop and take some photos as it looks out over almost the entire Numinbah Valley. The view is amazing and when conditions are right, you’ll be able to see hang-gliders launch from the lookout. There is also a picnic area and toilets are available.

Rosins Lookout

Rosins Lookout

Binna Burra itself has plenty to offer, and it’s worth staying overnight. There’s camping available in the Rainforest Campsites, where there are a variety of tent sites, a limited number of powered and unpowered van sites as well as safari tents.

If you are looking for something a little more upmarket there are also Mountain Lodges and Sky Lodges. The Sky Lodges in particular are very luxurious and contain spa baths and open fires and balconies to take in the amazing views from. Again there are plenty of picnic and barbecue facilities available or you can eat at either The Lamington Teahouse, which has amazing views or the Clifftop Dining Room at the Rainforest Lodge.

Lamington National Park – O’Reilly’s

A section of the amazing Tree Top Walk at O’Reilly’s

A section of the amazing Tree Top Walk at O’Reilly’s

 Located in the Green Mountain section of the Lamington National Park is O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, better known to locals and visitors as O’Reilly’s.

O’Reilly’s is located about an hour and a half’s drive west of the Gold Coast, but you may like to allow a little longer as the road is narrow and single lane in some places and very steep and windy. But once you come out at O’Reilly’s, you will see that it is all worth it.

There are three luxury accommodation options available at O’Reilly’s or you can camp in the adjacent Green Mountains camping area, which has tent and campervan sites available but is not suitable for caravans or motorhomes.

There are several short walks from O’Reilly’s ranging in distance from 800 metres to over 4 kilometres. A must-do walk while at O’Reilly’s is the Rainforest Tree Top Walk, which is an 800-metre-long walk consisting of boardwalks and tree-top suspension bridges, some of which are 16 metres above the ground. For those not worried by heights, there is a viewing platform 30 metres up a tree that you have to climb up to get to, and this is usually a favourite with the kids.

If you are looking for places to stop on your way into or out of O’Reilly’s take a detour to Kamarun Lookout, which is about 10 kilometres before O’Reilly’s. The views are stunning and on a clear day you are able to see the sand dunes on Moreton Island – pretty amazing!

You can find Melissa writing about other places to visit in Australia on her website, Camper Trailer Travels